South Haven reloads for another campaign

South Haven lost eight seniors from its team that cruised through the regular season unbeaten a year ago. A lot of talent is missing, but the Cardinals still plan on being competitive in the South Central Border League.

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Wellington Daily News - Wellington, KS

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Posted Sep. 6, 2013 at 11:43 AM

Posted Sep. 6, 2013 at 11:43 AM

South Haven lost eight seniors from its team that cruised through the regular season unbeaten a year ago. A lot of talent is missing, but the Cardinals still plan on being competitive in the South Central Border League.

There are two returning starters on offense and defense. Still, there were a lot of players that have at least some experience.

Returning of tailback J.T. Yunker, who should give the offense some firepower as the season starts. Richie Goble returns at center. Defensively Yunker returns at defensive back and Anthony Hawkins is a returner at defensive end.

Riley Blaylock, a senior, will be the starting quarterback. He played some last year and has done well in the preseason. He is a good runner and is working on his passing. Coach David Hughes said as the season starts the passing game is a bit of a question mark, but he expects that to improve during the season.

Fullback Parker Ray, a junior, will start in the backfield after playing some last year.

Joining Goble on the offensive line will be guards Tanner Creed and Clay White.

Defensively the Cardinals will have Hawkins at Creed at defensive end. Goebels will be at linebacker along with Parker Ray.

Yunker will also start in the defensive backfield.

Jordin Black will be a starter at noseguard.

Others likely to play are Wyatt Connor, who can play several positions on the offensive and defensive lines.

Nick Ingram will also see time at fullback, as well as the offensive and defensive lines.

South Haven may have a lot of new faces, but what the Cardinals do is not likely to change much.

They will still be a run-oriended team and run out of the power-I formation. They may spread the field some, but Hughes prefers the ground game.

Hughes expects the team to be competitive.

"We have some good athletes, some size and quickness. We just need to be disciplined, that will be a big thing," he said.